The storm rolling in from the background, the kids swarming us to say goodbye for the day, me photographing them while walking awkwardly backwards in a crouched position to capture (and encourage!) their enthusiasm...I don't know if they'd had their photograph taken before that day, but what does that matter? They're having fun with us semisi (white outsiders) and we're having a good time with them, too. A beautiful moment of cross-cultural communication without words.

Taken using servo (continuous) focus mode, the wide end of a 16-35mm Canon lens, and the right shutter speed to stop some of the action while capturing the distinct motion and energy of the moment.

This woman is making a difference for her community in her home country of India. She is helping to bring about transformation of mind, body, and spirit through her efforts to lift her neighbors out of the despair of joblessness and spiritual darkness to put their families on a path to a better future. Working quietly and without fanfare, she and others like her are laying the foundation for positive change in a large and complex country with thousands of indigenous ethnic identities.

Taken in ambient light at the long end of a Canon 24-105mm lens at f/5.6, ISO 400.

The baobab has to be one of the coolest trees I've ever seen. These behemoth trees dominate the landscape throughout Senegal, and when they don't have leaves (which is most of the year), they give a distinct impression of a tree that has been uprooted and smashed back into the ground by some huge giant. The fruit, colloquially referred to as "monkey bread," is delicious and very soothing to an upset stomach.

HDR image composited from bracketed handheld images with a wide-angle lens, about sunset.

This Senegalese Muslim leader, or "marabout," is in charge of a few dozen young boy disciples. In return for the money they bring him from begging in the streets, he feeds and shelters them and teaches them the Koran.

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